I am delighted to be here today at this fundraising lunch in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the O Maoilmhichíl family for organising this event today.  I know that for many in this room, your strength, your determination and your positive outlook in the face of a potentially life-threatening disease, has been nothing short of inspirational.  You have proven that even in the face of the most difficult circumstances, it is more than possible to pick up the pieces and move on – and to do so with great dignity and courage. 

In particular, it is wonderful to see the fighting spirit and positive outlook of Deráine today.  I have no doubt that you are a role model to so many in your studies and achievements in recent years.  You are sure to have ongoing success – with plans to move west of the Shannon I believe – in the time ahead. 

Due to increased awareness and greater availability of information, we have all become more conscious of the threat posed by meningitis.  If not detected quickly enough, meningitis can kill within hours.  The speed and severity with which it hits makes it a very frightening disease.  And, that is why it is critical that everyone, and in particular parents and young people, are fully informed of the measures that need to be taken to guard against this disease.

If identified in time, meningitis can be treated successfully.  And, the more people know about the symptoms of the disease, the greater their chances of survival.  Vigilance is particularly important given that there is no effective vaccine against the most common form of bacterial meningitis –  the Group B disease.

I am glad to say however, that we have witnessed a significant reduction in the number of reported cases of bacterial meningitis in recent years.  Provisional figures indicate that 263 cases were notified in 2004, compared to some 311 cases in 2003.  In particular, the Meningitis Group C immunisation campaign, which the former Minister for Health and Children, Mr Micheál Martin, launched in October 2000, has had a major impact in this regard.   The campaign, which targeted children and young adults up to 22 years of age, has led to a 96% reduction in the number of cases of the Group C disease being reported.  That is certainly a very positive and a welcome step forward in combating this disease.

Furthermore, the Meningitis C vaccine has now been incorporated into the Primary Childhood Immunisation Programme, thus ensuring that all infants are protected from the disease at an early age. 

But even with such measures being taken we need to ensure that people continue to be aware of the dangers of meningitis.  Most importantly, they need to be conscious of how critical it is to act immediately if they suspect any symptoms. 

Your presence here today, is another step forward in this regard.  Not only are you supporting a very worthwhile cause today, you are also demonstrating how important it is to be vigilant against meningitis.  I thank you all for taking the time to be at this important event. 

As you know, the monies raised today will go towards the awareness raising campaigns of the Meningitis Research Foundation.  Since its establishment in 1989, the Meningitis Research Foundation has been funding research to prevent meningitis alongside promoting awareness and knowledge about the disease.  In recent years, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, has launched the Foundation’s Meningitis awareness month in conjunction with Boots pharmacy.  This represents just one of the important measures being taken by the Foundation who are working not alone in Ireland, but in countries across the globe, to ensure that we attain a world free of meningitis.  Your presence here today goes one step further in enabling the Meningitis Research Foundation attain that vision.

I would encourage you all to support this very worthwhile cause today and I thank you for your time and generosity.

Thank you.

ENDS